|
|
Back when ... Chicago En
Bref, 2007
You’ve
seen the results, you may have watched some matches, and
you probably spotted some stained glass windows on the
photos.
But you probably didn’t even realise that the Windy City
Open is being staged on the 9th floor of the University
Club of Chicago.
It’s an amazing place, with some amazing people, and
last time they had a glass court there, back in 2007,
SquashSite was there.
All about the UCCO, in nine episodes of En Bref ...
|
Chicago En Bref , Issue #1
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
|
 |
|
ARRIVING
AT THE CLUB
 I
didn’t have a clue what to expect when I stepped out of the cab that took me
from Chicago Airport straight from Toronto to East Monroe Street. The
University Club of Chicago. Say what?
It’s a private club. Everything is in the same building. They get the court
bit by bit in the lifts to a upper floor. Come again? They have rooms within
the Club itself, the dress code is very strict, it’s a very historical
traditional environment… Oh great.
 In
other words, not that comfortable with the whole idea, the Frog was…
 But
the minute I saw the ravishing smile of Oscar at the entrance, and
then the warm, engaging, efficient welcome from Dee Willbee, Front
Office Manager, I knew I just entered a different world.
I know what you think. “It’s all for snobs and rich people”. Well, it’s not
a cheap membership, I give you that, but it’s not that expensive considering
the services/quality you get, and I’ve seen worse prices in the States or
Egypt, I assure you.
No. It’s not that. It’s the attention to detail, the desire to make your
stay here a great experience, the relationship that is immediately created
between the staff and the guest. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that to
this extent before anywhere else…
Immediately, the rules are set. And I like that.
No money to be exchanged here. All is put on an account that you sign for.
No tipping either in the club. And that, my friends, is the best news. I
hate the feeling that people are nice to you just because they expect an
immediate cash return. Mobile use limited to certain areas. Like the
smoking. The dress code…
All is explained to you very simply. Quickly. You are given little leaflets
to help you find your way around the 14 floors. To find exactly what you
need when you need it.
Then you are taken to your room. Nice size. Beautifully decorated. Huge
comfortable bed. Lovely bathroom. Large cupboard/draw space. Quiet. Free
wireless on each floor.
P.E.R.F.E.C.T.
After unpacking, rest, and then, food. There again, Dee's recommendation is
impeccable. She sends me a menu of a restaurant near to my room, to check
that it’s to my liking, and then books a table for me in the exact
restaurant I needed at that particular time…. That’s talent and
professionalism….
After a delicious and quite reasonable meal, I’m walking back to the Club
when I hear a “Framboise!” coming from a taxi. Stacey Ross and Scott Handley
are just arriving from the UK.
Que la fête commence… May the show begin…
|
     |
Chicago En Bref , Issue #2
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
|
At the UCC: #1, the Lobby ... |
BEHIND
THE SCENES…
Behind the Infor Windy
City Open, you’ve got a lot of people, but the main guys
are John Flanigan, who arrived here eight years ago, with his 8 month
old baby boy and wife during a cold winter day, and who was also welcomed
by Oscar (like me, is that a sign), and Steve Bacigalupo, the Special Operation Manager
here at the University Club...
Let’s start with John Flanigan. He started as the squash pro 8 years ago,
but as his boss said, “he was so hopeless at his job” that they moved him
up to Athletic Head of Department…
John is the soul of the Windy City event. All the pros absolutely adore
him. So, during this week, we’ll give you the opportunity to meet up,
discover, and fall under the charm of this eclectic American charismatic
squash lover, who has done everything in the book, and out of it too…
|
 |
|
 |
John
Flanigan, Part One ...
John Flanigan is the Athletic Director at the University Club of Chicago.
He is also the Tournament Director for the 2007 Infor Windy City Open. He
directed the U.S. Open Squash Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota in
1996 and 1997.
Who are you???
I grew up in a small town, New Albany, Indiana, and I am the youngest of
seven
children. Everyone in my family played tennis, so I grew up playing junior
tennis tournaments, but eventually kind of burned out, even though I did
play some competitive collegiate tennis as well.
In my college years I spent a year at the University of Strasbourg,
France. After graduating with a degree in English and French from
Manchester College in Indiana, I got married to Michele Zurakowski.
Michele and I wanted to go back to Europe, and I wasn't sure of my career
path, so we moved to Lublin, Poland to teach English as a foreign
language. This was a post we got through Brethren Volunteer Service, an
international peace and social justice volunteer group
similar to Peace Corps.
I was kind of a drifter still, and after a year in Poland moved back to
the USA and did a variety of things for a few years: worked as a French
boulanger / patissier with a French baker in Louisville, Kentucky, played
guitar in a garage band, worked as an assistant guide and camp cook for my
sister's wilderness adventure company in Durango, Colorado, then I worked
as a candy maker in Durango at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. After
more than a year in Colorado my wife enrolled as a graduate student at the
University of Minnesota in Minneapolis - St. Paul.
When did you turn to squash, and why...
When we moved to Minneapolis in 1986, I saw squash being played for the
first time while I was working as an attendant at the Minneapolis Athletic
Club. This was a part-time job I had while I was trying to publish fiction
and poetry. I saw two D players playing North American Hardball.
As a former collegiate tennis player, I watched these guys play and
thought, this is the dumbest game I've ever seen. About a month later I
was stringing racquets for some extra cash at the Commodore Club in St.
Paul, Minnesota when I saw two of the top players in the nation playing
and I thought, "whoa, that looks cool, maybe I should try it out."
With some encouragement from the Club pro, John Jasinski, I quickly became
hooked on the game. I enjoyed the physical, psychological, and emotional
demands of the sport - not to mention the joy of mastering the racquet
skills! I can still remember the first time I hit a volley into the nick
intentionally!
Although I started with hardball, I quickly began training with the ball
the rest of the world plays with and liked it even more. One of the major
things that attracted me to squash was the people. Squash players I met
were from all over the world, worked in a variety of professions, were
very friendly and keen to help new players get going in the game. I also
found them very social, interesting, and witty.
Why did you choose Chicago, and how long have you been coaching in the
club?
I had been working happily in Minneapolis for about 14 years when I got a
call from some University Club of Chicago members who were on a search
committee to find a squash pro for the club. I knew one of them, but I
wasn't really interested in the job...I had been living in Minneapolis for
14 years and loved it there. They had to really pester me to get me to
submit a resume.
When I finally did, they invited me down to the Club for a weekend in
Chicago. I quickly saw the opportunity at the Club...they had a great core
group of players, a
reputation for excellence and incredible potential to be one of the best
squash programs in the country. My first son Aidan, had just been born,
Michele had completed her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and was teaching at the
College of St. Catherine, so it was a tough decision, but I'm certainly
glad we made the move.
In part two ... The Club and the Open
|
Chicago En Bref , Issue #3
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
|
At the UCC: #2, Floor 2M, Owls & the Billiard Room |
John
Flanigan, Part Two ...
Describe this stunning club…
 The University Club is a unique place.
Although it is very traditional as
a premier downtown business, social and dining club, they are actually
very progressive in many ways - they aren't afraid to change, they have a
historic tradition of arts, literature and education, and the membership
is a friendly, very diverse group of professional people.
Club programs feature speakers on public policy, contemporary artists, the
economy, wine connoisseurs, etc. and encourage member involvement. For
example, as an amateur guitarist I helped some other Club members start a
Performing Arts Guild where members perform four times a year at the Club
bar. It has been great fun to see the musical talent so many people have
who aren't professional musicians.
Although squash is the only sport we play at the Club, the Athletic areas
offer a very high quality level of personal training and innovative
exercise classes and programs as well as a swimming pool and massage
services.
There are over 200 squash players who pack our four squash courts and our
one hardball doubles court. Future plans of the Club include significant
expansion of the Athletic areas. The Club also has sixty-two guest rooms,
several of which face Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue.
Finally, the Club is an architectural gem. Located right on Michigan
Avenue, the Club faces Lake Michigan and is located directly across the
street from Millennium Park - a grand public space that is being hailed
internationally as an architectural achievement.
Windy City Open : quick history ...
 The Windy City Open was started 25 years ago by members of the Illinois
Squash Racquets Association.
That was the first year they had both a
professional (hardball) and amateur draw. North American hardball
superstar Mark Talbott won the tournament for twelve consecutive years!
Since then past champions include John White, Nick Matthew, Paul
Price, Thierry Lincou and David Palmer, just to name a few.
Over the past six years I have worked hard with the tournament sponsors,
the tournament committee, the Chicago squash community, the University
Club Staff and the PSA to build the tournament up to an international
world-class event.
Best Moment:
Two year’s ago’s final between Amr Shabana and John White. Our tournament
chairman, Carter T. Kennedy, had the idea to set out noisemakers and party
favours for fans to make noise and cheer the players on. It was a great
atmosphere.
Worst Moment:
That's easy. The first year we put the glass court in the Club's
magnificent Cathedral Hall on the 9th floor, there were several pieces of
the court that were extremely difficult to get in.
For about two hours it looked like we might not be able to get the court
set up in the building. But Chicago is known as "The City that Works," and
thanks to the Club's General Manager, John L. Spidalette and Chief
Engineer Marty Keane, we found a way. However, I got a lot of grey hair in
those two hours!
 |
 |
OWL AWAY
 All over the building you’ll find Owl symbols. Not that they prevent you
from sleeping at night as I originally thought, as in France it
symbolises sleepy people, but because since 1887 the Owl is the symbolic
figure and constant reminder of the membership’s reverence for knowledge
and learning.
And the University Club of Chicago lives up to its
wisdom and continuing education symbol, as even today, employees wishing
to continue or resume studies can do it with the financial support of the
Club. I like that…
While you sleep, the owl keeps vigil…
 |
|
Court building in
progress in Cathedral Hall ... |
Chicago En Bref , Issue #4
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
|
At the UCC: #3, Floor 2, President's Bar & Michigan Room |
|
 |
BECOMING A MEMBER
OF THE UNIVERSITY CLUB
Situated at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Steve, at the eastern
gateway of the city, this magnificent 14-storey unique blend of American
skyscraper and Gothic architecture is purely breathtaking.
The University Club of Chicago, started rather modestly more than a
century ago by a small group of college students with a simple goal, to
create an environment in which excellence thrives, is an original and
private club, with roughly 2100 “resident members”, as in live and work
within 40 miles radius, and 900/1000 non resident members.
But waving your cheque book here won’t do any good to become a member.
First, you need to be a University or College Degree for an accredited
four year institution. You also need to be nominated, seconded and
recommended.
You then go through an interview process with the committee. Then your
name as a prospective member is posted in the lobby for 15 days. If there
are not objections, the candidate is elected to membership by vote of the
Committee of Admissions.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
It’s all worth it. Because from the moment you are accepted, you are cared
for, and spoiled rotten. They keep you busy too, you’ve got so many
activities, so many advantages to be a member here, athletics (squash,
fitness, swimming pool/SPA), catering, special events, kids corners, food
and beverage, the Tower Club (on the other side of Chicago), reciprocity
with over 150 clubs all over the world, and of course, the famous
“societies” extensive range to choose from.
What the heck is a society you may ask? It’s what could be defined as a
group of like minded people that enjoys each other like minded activities,
like diving, gardening, bridge, hunting, young parents, Château 76 (Fine
Wine), gold, Performing Arts Guild, and I’m probably missing a few.
Each society offers at least 4 events a year. Take the diving for example.
You are sent with a group of 20 divers to the Caribbean’s for 3 weeks, all
catered for, and you get your official diploma at the end of it… Can’t be
bad…
What does it means becoming a member of the University Club? From where I
stand, from what I understand of the whole process, it means that “you’ll
never walk alone ever again”, mate.
I’m only passing here. And they make me feel like belong here. Imagine if
I was really a member…
|
|
 |
THE KIDS AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB
You must have heard of the superb initiative of Metrosquash, born
in 2005 to try to get children from all environments to discover squash. I
had already met with David Kay in New York, and seeing him again in
Chicago, surrounded by stars in their eyes kids discovering squash for the
first time in such a magic surrounding was a real pleasure.
 ”In
late 2005” he said, “our inaugural class of students, their parents and
their school embraced a game they had never heard of and accepted the
challenge of committing to a fun and rigorous program. 90% of them
improved their grades, became avid squash players, and benefited from
exposure to cultural activities. Our students have begun a journey through
which they can craft an exceptional future. We have just begun to have an
impact.”
And the University Club has played its role, of course… “The University
Club of Chicago is a vital partner, and has increased its commitment of
facilities and work study employees. Their squash community has given
generously of its time and resources to help us to thrive…”
Guys, I don’t know how you are doing it, how you are making it work. But
keep at it. It's working…
|
MY
NAME IS…
You may remember this Liza Minelli song that started “My name is Liza,
with a z….”
 Well
today, we nearly had a diplomatic incident when poor adorable wouldn’t
hurt a fly New Zealand Ref Wayne Smith was struggling terribly with
my compatriot Laurent Elriani’s name.
To the point where an exasperated and proud Corsican stopped and stated
“My name is E.L.R.I.A.N.I, not… whatever you are saying. ELRIANI”.
 And
it didn’t miss. From that moment on, the poor bloke was totally panicked,
was hesitating and dreading every decision that would have involved
Laurent's family name!
But it got better when fellow Canadian Graham Waters gave him
pronunciation lessons…
Why on earth are we allowing non Anglo-Saxons to play squash is beyond me
really…
|
|
 |
|
 DRESS
CODE…
If you’ve ever met Stacey Ross, you know that he normally “presents” not
too bad, and has even been considered by a few ill advised females as
attractive, bless them.
But the lady at the entrance of the restaurant was not impressed by his or
Scott Handley’s outfit, and refused them the entrance, as they were
wearing casual sportswear and squash shoes.
Off they went back to their room, and as they made their second entrance,
the same lady, smiling but still dubious, went out of her station to check
Mr Ross shoe wear before admitting us to the Restaurant.
I told you, attention to detail…
|
Chicago En Bref , Issue #5
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
|
At the UCC: #4, Floor 8, the Library |
|
BEHIND THE SCENES:
DEE WILLBEE
Don’t misunderstand me. Everybody has been terribly nice with me since the
first moment I stepped foot in the Chicago University Club. But Dee… She
is special.
Born in Michigan, well, some have to I guess, surrounded by Lakes which is
annoying in her case as she suffers of fear of drowning, Dee Willbee, 29,
worked as the Night Manager for an immense Sky and Golf resort, with an
interesting job, but as the company was between owners she knew she had to
move forward.
Taking all the risks, she came to the City of Chicago in search of a job
opportunity, which presented itself only weeks after her arrival, as she
got an interview for the position of Front Desk Manager.
And she got it.
"I’m so glad to work here, my ultimate goal was always to work in a
private club, as we are able to develop a real relationship with our
members. That’s why I chose this business, to be able to meet the people
of course, but to really establish a sincere and real relationship with
our guests."
She makes you feel it too. At first, when she tells you “call me if you
need anything” you think it’s only a polite phrase. But soon you realise
that no, she means it. She is there to help YOU. And she did, time and
time again during my stay here.
 |
John Flanigan, part three
ONE
TWO
Let’s talk about your family life. Is your wife/children invested in
squash/sports as well?
My wife used to play some recreational squash, but doesn't anymore. I
think if there were courts in the village we live in she would start
playing again. My two sons, Aidan (8) and Cian (6) both already play some
squash and tennis and really enjoy the game. Whenever I make it to the
semis or finals of a tournament they come to watch me play, and I
absolutely love having them there.
Three words to describe squash:
An intense, beautiful rush.
What are your ambitions for your club, your event, and your life…
 For the University Club:
The Club is constantly striving to improve its already solid reputation as
one of the best city clubs in the USA, and it's great to be a part of
those efforts. I want to continue to play a major role in keeping
Athletics a vibrant part of the University Club experience. I also want to
help our Club members stay healthy and young at heart to fully enjoy and
meet the challenges and pleasures of life.
For The Infor Windy City Open:
To keep the event among the world's top ten and make the event profitable
for everyone involved - the Players, the Sponsors and the Club.
For my life:
To live my life fully in the present moment, to be a good father, and to
help anyone I can reach their potential. Oh, and to have a winter home in
Jamaica.
Your worst fear.
Actually a goal of mine for the past two years has been to live my life
without fear. But if pressed I guess I would have to say anything bad
happening to my family.
Your best sport/coaching memory.
One of my favourite memories as a competitor was two years ago in the
finals of the 40+ division of the Windy City Open. I played John Siedell,
the Head Squash Pro at the Toledo Club. John is a good friend of mine and
we had never competed against one another. We had a great 5-game match in
which I fought off four or five match balls in the 5th game and managed to
win. John cursed me as he picked me up in a hug after the match. It was a
perfect example of some of the things I love about squash--intense
competition and friendship.
As a coach, my best memories centre around coaching players to victory
during
tournament matches. I love the challenge of figuring out what my player
needs to do to maximize his strengths and expose his opponent's
weaknesses.
How do you see the future of squash in the US.
Squash is really growing in the U.S. but for it to really get up to the
next level, it needs to be more accessible to more people. I really see
the lack of courts as a major obstacle.
Chicago is a city of 12 million and we have approximately 30 international
sized singles courts - that's sad! The obvious question is how do you get
more courts
built in more Clubs across the country? There's no simple answer to that,
but if U.S. squash could market the game more at Club Industry conferences
and schools as well as foster the growth of more teaching professionals in
the US, it could come together.
I am probably biased about this, but my experience over the years is that
teaching professionals are primarily responsible for growing the game.
Their involvement in clubs and schools plus their ability to create and
execute programs, recruit and educate players is paramount to growing the
game. I hope that PureSquash's instructional videos will one day play a
role in educating new players in schools and Clubs about the game.
And globally.
The world seems to continue to get smaller and I think that's been great
for squash. The Windy City Open amateur draw had players last year from
the USA, England, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Pakistan, India, South
Africa and Australia. The economic growth and development of China also
seems like a great opportunity for squash - just think how many people
would be playing squash if 30% of China's badminton players also played
squash!
And finally, there is the elusive dream of Olympic Squash. That would
certainly help the sport's exposure on a major scale. I also think that,
as technology just gets better and better, as well as less expensive, the
ability to really perceive the
excitement of a hard-fought squash battle on television or the internet
will help more people get interested in squash.
Thanks so much for this opportunity to share my thoughts and passion
about squash with you and your Squash Site Audience. Squash Site is
awesome and we are excited and proud to be associated with the site.
FINAL WORD: Squash is serious fun! |
 DON’T OPEN THAT DOOR!!!!
 Feels like a horror movie, doesn’t it, but it could become one if you were
not careful… One of the doors of the corridor right behind the squash
court on which we played the first round of the qualifiers is actually a fire
exit, but opens over a building site of a future construction to be somehow
associated to the University Club.
And that makes it quite scary from a distance!
But the story doesn’t end there… As Legacy, the construction company for
the new building,
needed something called air rights - don’t ask, not a clue - the Club was
able to negotiate an extension with a sky bridge at the 11th level between
the two skyscrapers.
And the club will then benefit from four new courts… Clever…
|
Chicago En Bref , Issue #6
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
|
At the UCC: #5, Floor 9, Cathedral Hall |
A
NEW STAR
IS BORN…
With all my travelling, I’ve seen a lot of Masters of Ceremonies,
including the Legend, the Voice of Squash, Mr Robert Edwards. But as he is
about to retire, PSA must be starting to look for candidates to replace
the Legend in the few months to come…
 Well
guys, I strongly suggest you put Simon Parke’s name at the top of
the list.
His knowledge of squash is faultless, he’s got the respect of all the
players, he’s got the wit and the assurance that comes with experience.
Plus the charm…
And boy does he work! He’s got his laptop with him at all times, with his
notes, he talks with each and every player way before they get on court…
To tell you the truth, we are probably the only ones here who have been
watching all the matches from start to finish…
So, ladies and gentlemen, I’m officially proposing Sir Simon for the
position of PSA MC…
 "First,
this was a new challenge for me, and that was the first thing that tempted
me in this adventure. Two, I love Chicago, and three, this is one of the
best tournaments in the word, so I knew I was going to be able to see some
fantastic squash.
"How could I refuse…"
 |
CATHEDRAL HALL…
You’ve seen the pictures, you’ve seen the stained glass windows… But what
is the history behind them…
THE ROOM ITSELF
We’ve got the English to blame, yet again, for the inspiration of this
original hall. Mr Martin Roche studied Tudor Gothic in England
before drawing the plans for the building, and he designed Cathedral Hall
to resemble a medieval banqueting hall in the Chelsea District of London,
only on a larger scale. The name of the original? Crosby Hall, originally
built in 1446.
THE STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS
They were designed by Frederic Clay Barlett around 1909. How many
are there? Fourteen in all. Six on Monroe Street, Four on Michigan Avenue,
two in the alcove, three on North Wall, and two in the alcove, Michigan
Avenue side.
Each of these windows are actually window groups, each consisting of four
tiers, with every row comprising five smaller lancet windows, separated by
stonework. At the top of each window there is a sign of the Zodiac.
It was Barlett’s idea that seven of the large windows would represent
college disciplines which could lead to professional careers, that is
Literature, Law, Science, Religions, the Arts, Music and Commerce. The
windows are so inscribed.
Five other windows contain the seal of 65 colleges or universities
attended by many members of the club. And the last two? They are in the
alcove and represent the US Navy and Army. |
|
PSA
REFEREEING INNOVATION IN CHICAGO… |
We are all conscious that refereeing could
be/should be improved. But how do we do this? That’s another story…
Well, PSA board members along with referees and of course the benediction
of John Flannigan, tournament director here in Chicago, will be piloting a
three-referee system.
Refereeing squash can be subjective and the
view of one central referee is frequently blocked, making the decision
more difficult to make, and using a new 3-referee method should benefit
the quality of play and the refereeing decisions…
So we will all give it a try in the second round of the competition, with
the understanding that; one, the players need to give it their full
support, including their potential participation as a side wall referee,
and two, if the system doesn't seem to work, we would immediately revert
to the traditional marker/referee system.
Good luck everybody….. |
GUIDELINES FOR THE
THREE REFEREE SYSTEM
1. The central ref is also the marker, two side referees are placed behind
the back wall on each side, and the right side referee will keep score as
a backup.
2. Every appeal for a let (including balls you think are not up, down or
out) will be decided by all 3 refs simultaneously and ONLY the final
decision will be announced. In the unlikely event of three different
decisions, (let, no let, stroke), the final decision will be Yes Let.
3. Each ref should make their decision and shall signal it before looking
across to see what the other two have given (including the Central Ref).
4. All appeals of marker calls or non-calls at the end of a rally will be
decided in the same way (i.e. majority rules).
5. Players can address the Central Ref, but dialogue must be kept to a
minimum.
6. The central Ref has SOLE responsibility for time, injury and conduct
rulings.
The hand signals will be as follows:
Let = Thumb and forefinger in the shape of a L
Stroke = Clenched fist
No Let = Hand held out flat
Ball down/not up/out = Thumb down
Ball up/in = Thumb up |
Chicago En Bref , Issue #7
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
|
At the UCC: #6, Floor 12, Gallery & Gym |
THREE REFEREES:
SO FAR SO GOOD…
 If
you read my articles regularly, you must know that I didn’t like the
third ref “side wall” ref system that was used in Toronto, that poor
bloke on the side having the right of life or death from the worst
position ever.
So I was quite dubious the minute I heard the words “3 ref system”,
but was soon reassured when I heard that it would be a majority rule
instead of a sudden death one.
But how did it all start? Reinventing refereeing has been in the air
for a while, and during the last board meeting a refereeing
committee was formed, composed of Graham Ryding, Mark Chaloner, with
Alex Gough acting as Chairman.
Along with his colleagues, Alex thought that a forward thinking
promoter like John Flanigan, in Chicago, would be perfect to pioneer
the scheme, and although it was all a bit last minute, a meeting
between the refs, John F. and 17 of the 24 players still around (a
quite astonishing turn out, proving that the players wanted things
to change) was called on Friday 19th.
Alex explained the system to the audience, and all the players gave
it their full support, condition sine qua non to give the innovation
a chance. Not all the refs were that sure it would work, not all the
players either, and even John Flannigan started to be a bit nervous…
But they all decided to give it a go…
 And
you know what? It worked very very very well indeed. The players
were still able to have a few goes at the Central Man, a few funny
lines, but couldn’t argue (although there was a priceless moment
where Graham Ryding, one of the Committee Members of the project,
turned round and stated “What do you mean I can’t speak with either
of the side refs? I want to speak with him [pointing out Dan
Jenson], I know him pretty well”!!!!).
And as Alex Gough pointed it out, as they had less pressure on their
shoulders, the decisions from the main men were actually pretty spot
on, and confirmed by the side refs. It's as if they relaxed, got rid
of that stress that we all know too well, and that makes us say the
wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time…
Well done PSA.
 "It
thought it went pretty well today, not only we got all the decisions
right with three people contributing to the final decision, but more
important, we cut down on the discussion with the players.
"And if I had doubts with the procedural aspect of it, I thought we
may stumble on who was doing what, those doubts didn’t materialise.
"It’s working…
 |
 "I
was pretty nervous but after the players meeting, I knew this could
definitely work. All credit to Alex Gough, he was the driving force
behind this…"
 "Today
was a resounding success, I’m just so pleased the players supported
the project and reacted so well to it. For the past few years, we’ve
had a tight unit of guys, and they proved it today yet again. And
they react well because they feel comfortable and secure with that
majority rule."
"Plus, I personally think that the main man took all the good
decisions today, up, not up, the calls, because this three ref
system takes the pressure away from them, and their call are pretty
accurate.
"I want to personally thank John Flanigan for helping us put this
pioneering system in place in his tournament, I know he was not that
sure about the whole thing, but we made sure that it was his call,
and we were all very glad that he decided to go for it.
"I’m delighted this went well, and I’m confident this is the way
forward. After all, it’s our game, it’s PSA’s tour, and it was about
time we got involved at the refereeing level …"
 "Superb,
a real success."
 "I
wasn't sure about the three referee system, but after playing a five
setter match, I'm all for it to be honest ... it stops us from
totally hammering the ref!"
 "It’s
pretty good, you cannot argue with the ref, mind you, you can’t
argue because you can’t find them! They keep on hiding, so you can
only one in the middle, and that’s the one you discuss with!
"But it’s works so far, it’s good…"
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
At the UCC: #6, Floor 12, Gallery &
Art Exhibition |
BEHIND THE SCENES: STEVE BACIGALUPO
 The
first time Steve saw me, I was with Dee Willbee at the entrance of
the Cathedral Hall taking pictures, and let’s be honest here, he was
not impressed by my camera, as the members quite rightly insist on
their privacy. Thank GOD Dee, who was giving me a tour of the place,
had cleared my authorisation with John Flannigan and the Top
Management, and a large smile lightened Steve’s face.
Pfew.
Steve is probably one of the most organised, efficient, fast,
assertive and fair people I’ve met in my travels. Today Special
Operation Manager, he arrived here as the Purchasing Manager 24
years ago. But as he was so talented, so involved in all the
different departments, from floral arrangements to Chef’s talents,
after 18 years, the Club decided to create a special title/job for
the man, and that’s how six years ago, he became the “Special Events
Manager”.
 What’s
that? Well, imagine an air controller, or even better, a big spider,
with his legs in each department. He is the man with the big picture
but down to the last detail. He makes sure that an event like the
Infor Windy City Open interacts perfectly with the other
departments. He spends his days creating support for each level of
the immense organisation that is the University Club, and make sure
that the personal is neither servile nor stoic, but develops a real
relationship with the members. And from where I stand, it’s working
fine…
His favourite sentence? “If you want to help me, do NOT help me!
Just do what you are supposed to do…”
And thanks to people like him, this great “living organism” of the
University Club of Chicago works like clockwork… |
Chicago En Bref , Issue #8
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
WALID & WAEL
 Those
two could be twins, couldn’t they? When architect Walid arrived in
the Cathedral Hall all the way from Minneapolis where he’s been
living for 13 years now, I didn’t need introductions to know it was
Wael El Hindi’s brother. And although there's years between them,
you could take them for twins…
Due to geographic specificities, Walid hadn’t seen his brother play
for seven years, and was very impressed with little Wael during his
match with Thierry. And I personally suspect the guts and drive that
got the Egyptian to take the third game came from that special
presence in the audience…
He is an adorable man, and as Wael states “He’s got three daughters,
plus a wife. The man is going straight to Heaven”.
I have no idea what he means… |
HONEYMOONER RAMY
You have different ways of preparing yourself for a match, and I
thought I heard them all, but Ramy Ashour has a pretty original way,
it has to be said.
He sleeps.
 His fellow
Egyptians came to nickname him “the Honeymooner” because he needs
11, 12 hours of sleep per day, but it goes even further. Before a
match, he’ll need to sleep, and will wake up something like 35
minutes before his match, will start jumping up and down in the
room, and off to the venue.
He really
reminds me of a puppy. Runs for hours and suddenly, plouf! Collapses
on the floor, and sleeps for the rest of the day…
But mind Puppy Ramy when he's awake though… Sharp teeth he has, very
sharp…
 |
FOOTBALL, AGAIN?
 Would
you believe that even here in America, I’m doomed with football?
Guess what, at the same time as we had the quarter finals starting,
the Chicago Bears were playing a few yards away from the University
Club against the New Orleans Saints. Well, it was American Football,
but freeking Football all the same, and for a very important Bowl
something or other.
For you soccer lovers, imagine the quarter finals being played at
the same time as the semi-final of the World Cup… Not much chance to
have people around, you'd think
…
But after a very worrying start
with barely anybody around, the seats filled up nicely and we
finished with nearly all the seats filled by a knowledgeable and
standing ovation giving crowd.
And according to the car tweeting and horning outside at about 4pm,
there was no doubt in our mind that the local team had won, bless
them…
Football. Pffffff. |
DIARY OF AN MC ... Part One
 Tues
16th, late
Well this is a new thing completely for me, packing my bags to go to
a tournament and not actually competing in it! I still couldn’t
resist bringing my rackets though! Got to keep the training up.
Weds 17th, very early!!
Leave home at 6am for a 10.40 from Manchester. Met my girlfriend
Jayne’s dad the world referee John Massarella. We weren’t on the
same flight as mine was a pound dearer and he likes to save money
does our John. We agreed to meet at the other end and share a cab to
the city – more money saved for John! Got to the other end and I was
straight to the Rackets Club of Chicago for an exhibition v Alex
Gough – I’m still a player!
Thurs 18th, 5am
Killed myself on bike for half an hour. Getting slightly nervous
about the 12 start for my first game as mc. Luckily there weren’t
too many people there and I muddled my way through.
Had
done a fair bit of preparation before the games so I knew what I was
going to say. By the end of the day I had settled in quite nicely
but watching eight games consecutively coupled with jetlag finished
me off.
Fri 19th, 7am
Nice lie-in today! Now staying at my good friend Aidan Harrison’s
house which is an hour away. Good to see him and his fiancé Carrie –
I am best man for him in September this year. Got the train back
downtown to play Ong Beng Hee who wanted to stay sharp on his day
off. Finished at 2-2, I shouldn’t have retired – I can beat these
guys!! Kiddin ...
Another eight matches to do but I am starting to enjoy this mcing
lark. Got through it and then a very tired Parkey commuted back to
the country and collapsed into bed.
Sat
20th, 7am
Last 16, another eight games but a lot more competitive. Looking
forward to getting my teeth into today and watching Ramy Ashour get
a bit more of a test. He is amazing – it is fantastic to see someone
so young with such talent and a great attitude.
I am starting to build my own style and interview techniques. The
new refereeing system was brought in and was a success.
After the matches was the tournament party which was well attended
at the University Club and then a few of us headed out to sample the
Chicago night-life at Syn Club. I now have a room at the club for
two nights so no commuting.
|
Chicago En Bref , Issue #9
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the
Windy City Open |
MARVIN
THE MARVEL
 For
a French, getting to meet a Black American born in Memphis in 1935 in
raging segregation is a chance you don’t get every day. His name is
Marvin, and the warm kind clever understanding pacifist has been working
here since 1978.
At the time, Marvin had a full time job in the country's biggest book
store as traffic manager, but needed some extra income. He loved the
contact with people, was good with his hands, and applied for a part time
bar tender at the University Club of Chicago.
The Club didn’t need a bar tender, but they needed a bell boy, as the club
was undergoing some revolutionary changes, like allowing Ladies in - I
know, big mistake - but I’m sure it looked like a good idea at the time…
So Marvin started at the bottom, quickly becoming the Night Bell Captain,
complementing his day job beautifully. But 15 years ago, the company he
worked for closed down. It was a shock, imagine, after 35 years working
there… That’s when the man started working full time, and is now the All
Shift Bell Captain.
"For me, every day is a good day, because I love my job, I’m a people
person, I love talking with the members, making sure that they are
directed to the right department, that they understand our rules, like the
dress code – that can be a bit tricky sometimes.
"We can get 300 to 400 people in the space of a few minutes at lunch and
at dinner times, and we want to make sure that they feel looked after, and
comfortable. We greet them with a hand shake, with a smile. It makes all
the difference."
Marvin has met congressmen, the governor, the first black Mayor of Frisco,
and even two US Presidents, Gerarld Ford, may he rest in peace, and Jimmy
Carter and his wife, "people like you an me, with the Southern
hospitality"…
But no mind the title. Martin likes just… meeting people. |
MAGIC
FINGERS
 I
got to see that lovely face of Katherine Anabo’s every day since I arrived
in Chicago. And I assumed she was part of the University staff, as there
are so many people working on this event.
But one day I got to see her at work, right next to the court, in the area
reserved for the players. And that’s when I understood she was THE lady
the players were so complimentary about.
Very
simple really, that gorgeous lady, adorable, dedicated, generous has been
giving sports massage to the athletes for the fourth time this year, free
of charge. And her appointment book has been very full, let me tell you.
 She used to work as a freelance, but she’s been working at the Club now
for nine months. "I had my own practice for years," she said, "but the
Club kept proposing a job as they had a vacancy, and as I was like you
very impressed by the club, I decided to give it a try."
She fitted in perfectly in the “living organism”, and now belongs to the
“Bath Department” (no, not a bathtub, but they call the SPA that, I was
surprised too) which has the “oldest” employee within the house, Bill, who
has been working at the University Club of Chicago for 40 years…
They must be doing something right for people to want to stay that long…? |
|
Oscar, Dee & Marvin at
the Christmas Dinner |
|
Sun 21st, 7am.
At the pre-finals I interviewed rickets (who was in a suit) and Shabana
who was in his tracksuit) ready to play. Maybe that was a sign! When I
asked Shabana how he felt he said “overdressed”. That drew a laugh and
made my brief task very easy. These pre-match things are not ideal for the
players but they are worth it to keep the sponsors happy.
